In the spring of 1938, drawn together by an overwhelming desire to express themselves musically, three men formed the nucleus of the organization now known as the Maestros.
James Rae, Gale Van Deventer and Ralph Hoyle met each week to give vent to long stifled ambitions to make music. It seems that musicians have a social instinct that makes them enjoy ensemble playing more than performing solo, and therein lies the origin of the jam session. The three founders followed this thought and invited other kindred souls to join with them in making beautiful music together.
All three men were piano players. Jim sold insurance, Gale was an attorney and Ralph was a banker. They originally called themselves the Morning Music Society and met each week at the Chukker Restaurant in Pasadena, California, the only place in town with two pianos. It was in a convenient location near the Elks Club, and just a short distance from the famous Tournament of Roses corner at Colorado and Orange Grove, where the Norton Simon Museum now stands.
The initial bond that held them together was a common love and appreciation of music. While the bond of music is a strong one, it is doubtful that it alone could have held the organization together all through the years. Friendships played an important part as Maestros became a closely knit unit.
Maestros will become one of the joys of your life. The friendships and fellowship of Maestros are like nothing you will ever experience — a different world than clubs like Lions and Rotary. The friendships as a result of our common musical bond are deep. We become close friends for life. Join us. You’ll enjoy the musical camaraderie.
We have nine meetings a year (on the last Tuesday of the month) at Pasadena’s Shakespeare Club, and three parties at various locations ranging from homes to Caltech’s Athenaeum to the beautifully decorated University Club.
Dress is casual. The meetings start about 6:15 and end around 9:00. We have an open jam session (sometimes two or three and sometimes 10 playing) for about 30 minutes. Then we have a catered meal (quality food) and a short business meeting (the corniest jokes in town). After that, the Master Maestro takes over with the program featuring 3 or 4 bands of about 6-7 musicians each (members and guests). The songs they play go along with the theme for the evening selected by the Master Maestro. For example, when one Master Maestro’s son was born, every song had to have “baby” in the title.
Membership does not depend on musical ability. We have musicians ranging from inexperienced to top players. It doesn’t matter one iota. There are no critics. The only thing that counts is the love of music and the fellowship. We look for members who are “good fellows” and who can bring a variety of capabilities to the club.
The Maestros also accept non-playing individuals as members, especially those with an intense interest in music. “Listeners” have become Maestros presidents and have distinguished themselves in many of the non-playing activities that are vital to the success of the Maestros.
Although the nine Tuesday “meetings” are just for the guys, our three “parties” each year are with the wives and guests, and our delightful Summer Party is also with our children and grandchildren (who participate in the musical program).
Founder Gale Van Deventer put his finger on it. He firmly believed: “To Maestros, music is pure therapy. It is the universal common bond. It can break through all barriers — language, racial, philosophical and political. That is what makes our club so great.”
"A Maestro never says no!” might be more of a tradition than an actuality, but certainly the slogan has a very definite influence on the members.
The Maestros’ purpose and goals are contained in the Maestro Song, written by the charter members. It is sung by all of the members as a chorus to introduce the musical program at every meeting. It is meaningful and is still the creed of the Maestros:
Maestros, good fellows, everyone!Music is our fun.Life at best is darkened with shadows,Let’s turn on a little sun-shine!Good times so many through the yearMaestros meet for song and cheer.That’s where fellowship and musicCarry us away from blues and care!